Velocipede



Aug. 27, 1935. w. e. JOHNSON VELOCIPEDE Filed Aug. 21, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet l Gr. Jo Anson Aug. 27, 1935. w. G. JOHNSON VELOCIPEDE Filed Aug. 21, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Aug. 27, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE v VELOCIPEDE Wilfred G. Johnson, Elyria, Ohio, assignor to The Colson Company, Elyria, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio I I Application August 21, 1930, Serial No. 476,738 I i 10 Claims. (01. 20s-41 This invention relates to velocipedes, childrens high speed in an improved manner by a child or vehicles and the like. other rider thereon. I I I It is one of the objects of this invention to pro- Other objects'will be apparent to those skilled vide a velocipede, childs vehicle, racing toy vein the artto which this invention appertains. hicle or the like adapted to be propelled by the My invention is fully disclosed in: the follo-wrider thereof by movements like or similar to ing description taken in connection with theac+ those of rowing a boat or of a rowing machine. companying drawings in which:- I I Another object is to provide a velocipede, childs Fig. 1 is a topplan view of an embodiment of vehicle or the like adapted to be propelled by my inv i n, wi h par s h e f roken away; muscular movements of the arms, legs and back Fig. 2 is a view taken approximately from the 10 of the rider. plane 22 of Fig. 1, with the left bar 36 removed; Another object is to provide a velocipede, childs Fig. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional View vehicle or the like provided with improved means taken approximately from the plane 3 of Fig. 1 for steering the same. i and drawn to a larger scale; Another. object is to provide a vehicle of the Fig. 4 is a partly diagrammatic view taken ap 15 class referred to provided with a pair of forwardly proximately from the plane 4 of Fig. 3 to illusdisposed supporting steeringwheels adapted to be trate different positions of parts of that figure;

steeringly moved by the feet of the rider and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a part of Fig. I tending inherently to take up a normal or straight I and drawn to a'larger scale; ahead position. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken approxi- 0 Another object is to provide a vehicle of the matelyfrom the plane 6-5 of Fig.5; class referred to provided with a seat mounted Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken with vehicle propelling movements of the rider in drawn to a larger scale; animproved manner. a Fig. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view 25 Another object is toprovide a vehicle of the taken approximately from the plane 8 of Fig. l

to move in an improved manner in correspondence approximately from the plane 1 of Fig. 1 and class referred to having a pair of supporting drivand drawn to a larger'scale;

ing wheels and provided with improved means Fig. 9-is a fragmentary cross-sectional View for transmitting muscular effort of the operator to taken approximately from the plane 9 of Fig. 1

the wheels. I and drawn to a larger scale. 30

Another object is to provide a vehicle of the Referring to the drawings, I have shownat class referred to having a driving axle and proll a pair of vehicle supporting front wheels vided with'an improved power transmitting clutch and at 2 and 3 a pair of rear Wheels. The front for the axle. wheels 1-! are rotatably mounted on the ends Another object is to provide, in a'vehicle of of a front axle 4. 'Thefront axle 4 is rotatably 35 the class referred to, an improved clutch device connected by a compound swivel bearing, indiadapted to optionally transmit power to a drivcated generally at-5, to the forward end of a ing axle of the vehicle or to exert a braking aclongitudinally'disposed preferably tubular frame tion, thereon or to permit the axle toidle in a member T6. The front axle 4 and-its bearing 0 floating or coasting condition. connection with the frame 'member 6 may" be 40 Another object is to provide, in a vehicle of the variously constructed but I prefer the following class referred to, a combined brake and power construction. A pair of transverse substantially transmitting clutch operable in an improved manparallel spaced bars I have secured therebetween I ner by a single lever conveniently disposed adat their extreme lateral ends, axle supporting jacent the riders seat. I blocks 8-8 outwardly from which-suitable axles 45 Another object is to provide an improved brake extend to provide rotational bearings for the construction for velocipedes, childrens vehicles or wheels I. Inwardly of the blocks 8-8, a pair the like. of foot grips or stirrups 9'9 preferably curved I Another object is to provide in a velocipede, concavely rearwardly are securedto the axle' 4 childs vehicle or the like, an improved power and suitably spaced on opposite sides-of the 50 transmitting mechanism for converting muscular middle portion thereof.- At the middle of the eifort of the rider into propelling eifort of the axle 4 the bars 1'! are preferably spreadapart vehicle. I to embrace therebetween a swivel head l0 pref.- Another object is to provide a vehicle of the erably in the form of a casting or forging.

class referred to adapted to be safely driven at The swivel head KID is provided'with a down- I 2 wardly rearwardly inclined cylindrical bore II in which is rotatably mounted an axle king pin I2, provided at its ends with reduced portions I3-I3, thus providing a pair of shoulders I4I4, the shoulders I l-I4 engaging inner confronting faces of the axle bars I--I, and the reduced portions I3 being projected through suitable perforations in the bars I and being threaded to receive nuts I5-I5. The king pin I2'is thus rigidly clamped, by' the nuts I5, between the bars I and the front axle 4 and is thus rotatably mounted in the head Ill, the axis of rotation I6 being downwardly rearwardly inclined.

The swivel head II! is also provided with a horizontally disposed cylindrical bore II disposed.-

below the bore II and axially aligned and registering with a cylindrical bore I8 in the hanger portion I8 of head 20 rigidly connected to the a forward end of the frame member 6. The head 20 is preferably a casting or forging. Aswivel bolt ZI extends throughthe bores I1 and I8 and provides a rotational bearing for the swivel head ID on the head 20 about the axis 22 of the bores I1 and I8. The swivel head In and the head 28 at the adjacent confronting terminations of the bores I1 and I8, are provided with stops for limiting the rotational movement of the swivel head I0 .withcrespect to the head 23 around the 'axis 22. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the head 28 has formed thereon a pair of similar stops 23-23 horizontally aligned and disposed above the axis 22", and the head II) has a corresponding pair of stops 2 4-24, normally horizontally aligned and below the axis 22, and in a transverse vertical plane with the stops 23/ It will therefore be apparent that rotation of the swivel head I0 around the axis 22 in either direction will'engage one or the other of the stops 2 4 with the stops 23 to limit said rotational movement.

By the foregoing construction, it will be seen that the axle 4 may have rotational bearing around the axis I6 and the axis 22 concurrently and may therefore taken up the normal position shown in Fig. 1 in which thewheels I and 2 are directed straight aheadfor straight ahead movement of the vehicle or may take up rotated positions clockwise or counter-clockwise of said normal position to lead or steer the vehicle ahead to the right or to the left. The axle. 4 may be moved to said steeringpositions by the feet of the rider in the stirrups 9, the rider sittingupon a seat truck 25, to be more fully described, and pushing with his feet upon one or the other of the stirrups 3.

It will be observed however that the distance from the ground to the king pin I2-is fixed, due to the fixed radial dimension of the wheels ,I-I and therefore rotation of the swivelhead ID with respect to the swivel pin 2I, about the axis 22, is necessarily accompanied by elevation. of the bolt 2I,.head 20 and the forward, endof the frame element 6. As will be more fully referred to later, the weight of the rider onthe seat truck 25 is transmitted to the frame element 6 and therefore the said elevating movement of; the frame element 6 is opposed by the weight of the rider as well as by its ownweight, and that of other parts of thecdevice tobe described carried by or supported upon the frame element 6. Therefore, aswill now be clear, the weight of the rider and of parts of the device transmitted to the frame elementfi, acts conversely to oppose movement of the axle 4 and wheels I toward clockwise or :counter-clockwise directional positi n and x t for e nd n i turn'the frame element 6 is rigidly secured in a head 26 provided with a pair of rearwardly projecting laterally diverging arms 21 and 28 terminating rearwardly in bearing housings 28-28. A rear 'axle 29 is rotatably mounted in suitable bearings such as ball bearings in the bearing housings 28. On the ends, of the axle 29, rear wheels 2 and 3 are mounted, the Wheel 2 preferably being mounted to rotate on the axle by any known or suitable type of bearing, and the wheel 3 is preferably keyed'upon the axle 29, on a suitable portion 38 thereof, Fig. 5, by means of a key of any known or suitable construction, one type of which is indicated generally at 3I. Means to be described is provided to rotate the axle "29 and drive the rear wheel 3 to propel the vehicle and the'rotational mounting of the Wheel 2 on the axle permits the vehicle to be driven on a curvilinear path, as will be understood.

Preferably the axle 26 is elongated beyond the bearing housings 2828 to give stable width of tread to the vehicle, and the axle 29 may be prevented from shifting longitudinallyin the bearing housings .28 by collars 34 3 1 secured on the axle as by pins 35- 35 outwardly of the bearing housings 28, and'engaging the bearing elements within the housings,

As will appear from the foregoing, the rearward end ofthe frame element 6 is supported by the rear axle 29. The bearing housings 28 are each provided with an upstanding lug 32-32 to Which is bolted as at 33-33 the rear end pore tions of a pair of longitudinally disposed channel-form rails 36-36.

The rails 36 are downwardly forwardly inclined and the forward ends thereof are supported on a transverse through-bolt 31 projected through suitable perforations in the forward'end portions of the rails 36 and axially through a tubular transverse spacer 38 surrounding the bolt 31, abutting at its ends upon confronting surfaces of the rails 36 and extending through suitable perforations in the wall of the tubular frame element 6. The spacer 38 is preferably welded to the tubular element'fi at its intersection therewith as at 39. I

The through-bolt 31 extends through and'beyond one of the rails 36 to provide a rotational bearing for a lever Iil'i to be described, and the longitudinal position of, the through-bolt 31 is prevented from shifting longitudinally by a head II9 on one end engaging the adjacent rail 36 and anut I I i on the other end engaging a hubportion N2 of the lever Ill'l thereon.

' Theseat truck 25 above referred to ismounted to be reciprocable forwardly'and rearwardly of the'vehicle on the rails 36 by the following construction. The seat truck 25 preferably comprises a chair'seat or bottom 40 having arms 4| and a back 42 formed integrally from a piece of connected to the back piece and to the seat bottom 49. A pair of truckframe; elements 44-44 formed from flatbar stock are'secured totheunderside of the seat 48 transversely thereof in any suitable manner as by boltsv 45: andcomprise each a pair of depending hangers, having, mounted thereon for rotation on horizontal axes, flanged wheels 41, the rotational bearingtherefor comprising a stud or stub shaft 48 riveted to the hangers 46, as at 69. The lower ends of the hangers 45 are bent outwardly laterally as at 50 to provide hook portions projecting under the inwardly directed flange of the channelform rails 36. The wheels 41 are so disposed as to roll upon the upper flange of the rails.

By this construction it will now appear that the seat truck 25 may roll forwardly andrearwardly on the rails 36, and due to the inclined disposition of the rails, tends to roll forwardly by gravity. The seat truck 25 is prevented from leaving the rails vertically by the hook portions of the hangers 4S engaging the rail flange;

and the flanges 5| of the wheels 41 prevent the.

seat truck 25 from leaving the rails laterally. Furthermore, the seat truck 25 is prevented from leaving the rails at the rearward ends'thereof by the engagement of'the hook portions 58 with the bolts 33, as shown in Fig. 8, and from leaving the rails forwardly by the engagement of the hook portions 59 with the spacer 38, as shown in Fig. 9. The head 20 on the'forward end of the frame element 6 has mounted thereon above the frame element 6 a flanged pulley 55 rotatable on'a horizontal transverse axis. A transversely disposed handle bar 51 having on its opposite ends a pair of hand grips I58, has secured to its middle portion a strap 55 of fabric material, leather or'the like which is looped over the upper portion of the pulley 55, downwardly around the same and extended rearwardly above the frame'element 6 and under the seat truck 25 and over therear axle 29, and the rearward end thereof is wound on a drum 58 provided with retaining flanges 59'-59, the extreme end of the strap 56 being anchored to the drum by a bolt' '69 projected through suitable perforations in theflanges '59. In Fig. 1, the strap 56 is broken away and completely removed from the drum for clearness and in Fig. 5,'the drum is shown with several layers of the strap wound thereon.

- The drum 58 is disposed coaxially of the axle 29; and is provided with a hub member 61 ex tending laterally therefrom and surrounding. the shaft 29, the end of the hub beingprovided with a cylindrical coaxial bearing portion 62 fitting the shaft 29 and abutting upon the bearing housing 28 or upon the bearing element-therewithin. A helical spring 53 is coiled around the hub El, and has one end thereof anchored in the drum 58 as at 64 and the other end anchored as at 65 in the bearing housing28, or in the arm 21.. In a manner to be referred to later, when the handle bar 51 is pulled upon rearwardly, the strap 56 will turn the drum 58 clockwise, as viewed in Fig. 2, and wind up the spring 63 and upon releasing the pull on the handle 51, the spring 63 will turn the drum in theopposite direction and pull the handle bar 51 forwardly. The handle bar 51 thus normally is pulled forwardly until it takes up a normal position indicated in broken lines at 66, Fig. 2, where its movement is stopped by engagement with an upper portion 6! of the head 2fl shrouding the upper forward portion of the pulley 55. I

The drum 58 on the axial end therofppposite the hub BI is provided with a cap 68 which may be secured thereon as. by screws 59. The cap is axially bored to provide a cylindrical bearing bore 10 in which is rotatably mounted the hub H, of .a ratchet mechanism to be described, the hub 'H in turn being bored as at 12 to provide a rotational bearing therefor on the axle 29. The axle 29 thus rotatably supports the hub H and the hub 11 rotatably'supports the drum 58 on oneend the other end being supported at 62 as described above.

The drum 58 has a cylindrical recess 13 formed therein coaxial with the axle 29 in which is press-fitted a cup-likeelement 14 comprising a skirt portion 18. 'Ihe'hub ll, inwardly of the cap 68 has thereon, preferably formed integrally therewith a plurality such as four radially extending lugs'15, The lugs have radial faces 16 and. externally convex portions 1! eccentric with respect to the skirt 18 of the cup 14 thus providing-between the lugs 15 and the skirt [8 of the cup wedge-formed"curvilinear spaces 19 in which are disposed and trapped ballsor roll ers 80. By reference to Fig. 6, it will be seen that if the hub H and lugs 15 are held against rotation and if the skirt 18 of the cup 14 is rotated clockwise, the rollers will be rolled clockwise into wedg ing engagement between the curved portions 11 of the lugs 75 and the skirt 18, causing the hub II to be gripped and rotated with the skirt 18 and that when the skirt 18 is rotated in the coun-- tor-clockwise direction, the rollers 88 will be rolled counter-clockwise into the radially wider portions of the wedge-shaped spaces 19 and into engagement with the radial faces 75 of the lugs, and the grip or look between the hub H and the skirt 18 will be broken and the skirt may turn freely with respect to the hub H.

It will thus be apparent that the alternate clockwise and counter-clockwise rotationof the drum 58 by rearward and forward movement of the handle bar 57 will communicate successive clockwise rotational impulses to the hub ll The parts just described and illustrated separately in Fig. 6 constitute a silent non-clicking free running ratchet.

, The axial outer end of the hub II is providedwith a plurality such as two clutch recesses 8|, and adapted to be clutchingly engaged by corresponding clutch teeth 82 on a clutch device 83, now to be described. The clutch device 83 comprises a spool 84 mounted on the axle 29 and keyed thereon by a feather key 85 by which it is locked to rotate with the axle but is longitudinally shiftable thereon. The spool portion 84 is pro vided with an angular groove 86 by-which it may be shifted in a manner to be described. Axially opposite "the spool portion, the clutch device is formed with a conical periphery on which is mounted a conically shaped clutch liner 87'of leather or like suitable material adapted to frictionally engage a- :co1 responding mating female conically formed clutch surface 88 formed on the adjacent bearing housing 28. The clutch device 83 thus constructed may be shifted axially to engage the teeth 82 with the recess 8|, and in this position the rotational impulses given to the hub I! may be transmitted through the clutch device and key 85 to the axle 29 to turn it; or the clutch device may be shifted in the direction to engage the clutch liner 8! and clutch surface 83 to exerta braking action therebetween to stop rotation of the shaft 29; or the clutch device-may beshifted to an intermediate neutral position. The clutchdevice may be retained in any one of said three shifted positions by a centering device comprising a ball 89 disposed in a radial bore 99 in the clutch device 83 engaging notches 9|, 92 and 93 in the feather key corresponding to the said three positions, the ball 99 being resiliently pressed into the notches by a spring 94 retained in the bore by a plug 95 in a well known manner, the plug 95 being driven or screw-threaded into the bore 90, as may be desired. '2

To shift the clutch device from one position to the other, I provide a bell crank I00 having a transverse arm IQI and a longitudinal arm I92 and mounted for oscillation about a vertical axis I93 on the frame arm 28. The arm I02 of the bell crank has a pin I I9 projecting into the annular groove 88of the clutchdevice and the arm IOI is connected by a rod Illlto ashort arm I05 of the'operating lever -I91 above referred to,.fulcrumed on the through-bolt 31 by a hub I I2 hav-' ingrotational bearing on thebolt 31." An upstanding long arm IOG of the lever I91 is disposed laterally of the seat truck 25 and provided with a handle I08 adjacent thereto. Upon forward movement of the handle. I08, the bell crank I00 will be rocked clockwise, as viewed in Fig. 5, and will project the teeth 82 into the recess 8I for propelling-the vehicle forwardly. On moving the handle I98 rearwardly, the clutch device will be correspondingly moved to the braking position, and at an intermediate position of the handle I68, the clutch device will be moved to its neutral or idling position. The braking effect may be varied byvarying the pull on the handle I08 of the lever I91.

In the operation of my invention, the driver or operator sits upon the seat truck 25 and places his feet in the stirrups 9-9 and grasps with his hands the handle grips 58. To propel the vehicle forwardly, after engaging the clutch by forward movement of the lever I01, the operator leans forwardly permitting the handle bar 51 to be pulled forwardly by the tension in the strap 56 caused by the unwinding of the spring 63 on the drum 58. At the same time, by bending his knees, the seat truck 25 rolls down the inclined rails 36 to or adjacent to its forward position. I

He then leans backward, pulling on the handle bar 51 and through the strap 56, giving a propelling rotational impulseto the axle 29 through the drum 53 and clutch device 83, at the same time winding up the spring 63; and this movement is amplified and the force thereof increased by concurrently pushing with his feet on the stirrups 9 and straightening out his legs, the seat truck 25 at the same time rolling rearwardly on the rails 36. Muscular forces of his back, legs and arms are thus jointly coordinated into a single propelling effort. These movements are repeated, the movements being similar to those of rowing a boat, or of operating the well known rowing machine.

The forward motion of the vehicle may be steered by the operators feet in the manner hereinbefore described. The forward movement of the vehicle may continue after the operator has ceased propelling it, by means of the ratcheting device above described, permitting the axle 29 to rotate within the drum 58. The vehicle may be stopped by the operator by pulling rearwardly' on the lever I01 to apply the brake. The vehicle maybe moved backwardly after moving the lever I01 to the neutral positiomwith the operator on the seat and'by placing hisfeet on the ground and pushing the vehicle backward;

The vehicle of my invention may be propelled at great speed and provides an unexcelled device for the muscular development of the body and admits 5 of being constructed in a vehicle of pleasing appearance; 1

The double'bearing or swivel mounting of the front axle, besides functioning to return the front wheels to the straight ahead position, also pro vides the maximum of clearance between the legs of the rider and the front wheels when his feet are on the stirrups 9. Steering the vehicle toward one sidetends to move one wheel or the other closer to his leg but by the swivel bearing con struction described, the same movement is 'accompanied by a lateral shifting of the adjacent wheel in the direction away from his leg so that fora given length of the front axle, the front wheels maybe turned through a greater steering angle without danger of frictionally engaging the riders leg than would be possible with the usual single vertical king pin or fifth wheel type of front axle construction.

Furthermore, the stops 23 and 24 described above in connection with Figs. 3 and 4 limit the directional pivoting movement of the front axle to avoid actual contact of the front wheels with the legs of the rider when steering the vehicle.

My invention is not limited to the exact details, of construction shown and described. Many changes therein and modifications thereof may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention or sacrificing its advantages.

I claim:

1. In a velocipede or the like, a frame, a plurality of supporting ground wheels therefor, a seat on the frame, a 'handle disposed forwardly of the seat and adapted to be moved forwardly and rearwardly, a driving axle for one of the wheels, a drum on the axle, a clutch between the drum and the axle for transmitting rotational movement to the axle from rotational'movement of the drum in one direction'of rotation only and a flexible element wound on the drum and secured to the handle and adapted to rotate the drum in said direction when the handle is moved, the clutch comprising a clutch element movable longitudinally of the axle to operatively engage and disengage the drum with the axle, and spring means interconnecting the drum and frame windable upon rotational driving movement of the drum and unwindable to rotate the drum in a nondriving direction.

2. In a velocipede or the like, a frame, a plurality of supporting ground wheels therefor, a seat on the frame, a handle disposed forwardly of the seat and adapted to' be moved forwardly and .rearwardly, a driving axle for one of the wheels,

a drum on the axle, a clutch between the drum and the axle for transmitting rotational movement to the axle from rotational movement of the drum in one direction of rotation only, a linear flexible element wound'on the drum atone end and connected to the handle at the other end and adapted to rotate the drum in said direction when the handle is moved rearwardly, and means for rotating the drum in the other direction when the handle is moved forwardly, the clutch comprising a clutch element movable longitudinally of the axle to disengage the drum from the axle and to permit the axle to be turned by movement of the velocipede rearwardly without turning the drum.

I 3. In a velocipede or the like, a frame, a pine rality of supporting ground wheels therefor, a seat on the frame, a handle disposed forwardly of the seat and adapted to be moved forwardly and rearwardly, a driving axle for one of the wheels, a drum on the axle, a clutch between the drum and the axle for transmitting, rotational movement to the axle from rotational movement of the drum in one direction of rotationonly, a linear flexible elementwound on the drum "at one end andconnected to the handle at the other end and adapted to rotate the drum in said direction when the handle is movedrearwardly, means for rotating the drum in the other direction when the handle is moved forwardly, the clutch comprising a clutch element movable to disengage the drum from the axle to permit the axle to be turned by movement of the velocipede rearwardly without turning the drum, and comprising a brake element movable to frictionally engage the axle with a stationary portion of the frame.

4. In a velocipede or the like, a frame, a plurality of supporting ground wheels therefor, a seat on the frame, a handle disposed forwardly of the seat and adapted to be moved forwardly and rearwardly, a driving axle for one of the wheels, a drum on the axle, a clutch between the drum and the axle for transmitting rotational movement to the axle from rotational movement of the drum in one direction of rotation only, a linear flexible element wound on the drum at one end and connected to the handle at the other end and adapted to rotate the drum in said direction when the handle is moved rearwardly, means for rotating the drum in the other direction when the handle is moved forwardly, the said seat being provided with an anti-friction support on a forwardly downwardly inclined trackway, and a foot perch on the frame forwardly of the seat whereby the seat may be moved forwardly and rearwardly bythe rider in correspondence with forward and rearward movements of the handle, and means selectively maintaining the clutch in longitudinal-r ly spaced operative and non-operative positions along the axle, said means being rendered inoperable by force above a predetermined amount directed axially of the axle.

5. In a vehicle, a driving axle, a rotary oscillatable element on the driving axle, spring means for normally rotating it in one direction, power applying means for periodically oscillating it in the other direction, a clutch element adapted to be rotated by rotation of the said oscillatable element in one direction only, and means for engaging and dis-engaging the clutch element with the shaft, to permit rearward movement of the vehicle without rotating the oscillating element, and means engageable with the clutch for maintaining the clutch in a selected relation with the shaft.

6. In a velocipede or the like, a frame, a plurality of supporting wheels, a driving axle for one of the wheels, an oscillatory drum on the axle, clutch means between the drum and the axle whereby oscillatory rotation of the drum in one direction may drive the axle, resilient means for oscillating the drum in the return direction, a flexible element wound on the drum and extending tangentially therefrom and joined to a handle, a seat on the frame, a foot perch on the frame forwardly of the seat whereby a rider on the seat may pull on the handle and rotate the drum by unwinding the element therefrom to propel the vehicle forwardly and upon releasing the handle, the drum will rotate in the other direction and wind up the element thereon/the clutch 'means comprising a clutch elementmovable longitudinally of the axle to disengage the drum from the axle, and comprising. a brake element on the clutch element engageable with a stationary brake portion of the frame by continuous longitudinal movement of the clutch element, the clutch element adapted to take upa mid-position to permit the axle to be turned'backwardly by rearward movement of the velocipede withoutturning the drum, and a lever to operate the clutch element disposed adjacent the seat.

7. In a vehicle, a frame, a driving axle rotatably mounted on the frame, an oscillatable driving element on the axle, power means for oscillating the driving element, a clutch element on the axle, a ratchet device between the driving element and the clutch element for rotating the clutch element upon rotation of the driving element in one direction, a reciprocable device splined on the axle and provided with a clutch portion engageable with the first-mentioned clutch element when longitudinally moved on the axle in one direction, a brake portion associated with the reciprocable device and a brake element on the frame engageable thereby upon movement of the reciprocable device in the other direction, and means for maintaining the. reciprocable device in engagement with the clutch element or the frame brake element rendered inoperable by a predetermined force directed-longitudinally of the axle.

8. In a velocipede or the like, a frame, a plurality of supporting ground wheels therefor, a seat on the frame, a handle disposed forwardly of the seat and adapted to be moved forwardly and rearwardly by a rider on the seat, a driving axle for one of the wheels, a driving element associated with the axle and a connection between the driving element and the handle for transmitting forward and rearward movementof the handle to rotary movement of the driving element, a clutch element drivingly connected to the driving axle, operable means for moving the clutch element to engage the rotary element to connect it to the axle, and for moving the clutch element to disengage the rotary element to permit the axle to be turned independently of the rotary element, and to move the clutch element into frictional engagement with a portion of the frame'to effect a braking action, and means disengageable by a predetermined force on the operable means for maintaining the clutch element in an axle engaged, axle disengaged, or axle braking position.

9. In a velocipede or the like, a frame, a plurality of supporting ground wheels therefor, a seat on the frame, a handle disposed forwardly of the seat and adapted to be moved forwardly and rearwardly, a driving axle for one of the wheels, a drum on the axle, a clutch between the drum and the axle for transmitting rotational movement to the axle from rotational movement of the drum in one direction of rotation only and a flexible element wound on the drum and secured to the handle and adapted to rotate the drum in said direction when the handle is moved rearwardly, the clutch comprising a clutch element movable longitudinally of the axle to disengage the drum from the axle and comprising a brake element movable longitudinally of the axle to frictionally engage the axle with a stationary portion of the frame, andmeans maintaining the clutch in an engaged, disengaged, or brake position, said means being rendered inoperable by a force directed 6 axially of the clutch above a predetermined amount. 7

10. In a velocipede or the like, ajrame, a p1u= rallty of supporting ground wheels therefon a seat on the frame; a handle disposed forwardly of the seat and adapted to be moved forwardly and rearwardly, a driving axle for, one of the wheels-,a drum on the axle, aiclutch between the drum and the axle for transmitting rotational movement to the axle from rotational movement 1 of the drum in one direction of rotation on1y,'a

linear flexible element wound on the drum at one end and connected to the handle at the other 7 end and adapted to rotate the drum in said direction when the handle is moved rearwardly, and. means for rotatingithehdrum ln the other direction whenthe handle-51s movedforwardly, the clutch comprising a combined clutch and brake element movable longitudinally of 'the axle to disengage the drum from the faxleand to engage thepaxle with fa. stationary portion of the frame, and anoperating lever for-the clutch element disposed adjacent the'seat'for'moving the clutch element, and means rendered inoperable by apredetermined force 'on the operating :lever for main taining the clutchin a drumengagededrumdisengaged, or frame engaged'positiom: '1

w WIIFRED GnJOHNSON. 

